Abstract:
The Xi Iota Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at DePaul University is in the process of becoming an active chapter. The Xi Iota chapter would like to submit a Best Undergraduate Paper Contest proposal for consideration in the 1999 Chapter Activity Grant Competition. Our objectives are to recognize scholarly excellence and to increase the visibility of Pi Sigma Alpha at DePaul University. this project is classified within the society affairs category as an essay contest. The Xi Iota Chapter hopes that the project will strengthen the commitment of our members in pursuing an active role within Pi Sigma Alpha.

Best Paper Guidelines
The paper must be written for an undergraduate political science course during the fall and winter quarters of 1999-2000. The papers are to be submitted by political science faculty members and undergraduate students. The papers should be submitted to the faulty advisor or to current chapter members no earlier than March 1, 2000 and no later than April 1st (which is two weeks prior to the tentative date of our Initiation Banquet). the Best Paper Contest will be announced in political science courses and advertised on the department's Pi Sigma Alpha bulletin board and web site. Papers will be submitted to blind review by a panel of three faculty members of Pi Sigma Alpha and two student members of Xi Iota chapter. Criteria for judging papers will be established by a committee of current Pi Sigma Alpha members and the faculty advisor, consistent with the Awards Contest Rules established by the national office of Pi Sigma Alpha. Awards will be distributed at the Initiation Banquet. The winners will be formally recognized along with the new Pi Sigma Alpha inductees.

Purpose
The contest is recognize outstanding undergraduate scholarship and interest in political science. A secondary objective is to increase student and faculty awareness of and interest in Xi Iota chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha. Our promotional efforts, combined with a meaningful award, should help stimulate interest in our chapters' activities. We are currently in the process of revitalizing our chapter, and believe that our efforts would be greatly enhanced by the opportunity to publicly recognize students for their educational efforts.

Proposed Budget
The Xi Iota Chapter estimates a budget of $299. The chapter would like to award three students with a framed award certificate and monetary awards of a $100 first prize, a $75 second prize, and a $50 third prize. The costs of three frames and certificates has been priced at $36. Finally, to further increase the prestige of the initiation banquet, we seek $38 to cover the costs of hanging a Pi Sigma Alpha banner at the banquet.

Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.

NOTE: The Awards Committee provided full funding for DePaul's proposal.